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Annual Getogether and David Gatherer clinic
This weekend saw the start of EFRA's 2010 programme with the Annual Getogether on Friday evening followed by
David's jumping clinic on Sat/Sun.
The Getogether at The Woll Golf Club was a very pleasant evening for all members and guests present. After a delicious
meal the Winter League awards were presented by Club chairman, Fiona Busby.
Open Show Jumping league winner, Fyonnah Thomas was also presented with a certificate acknowledging her achievement
of winning all four S/J league levels on the same horse. Fyonnah on her own Advanta Gold won the Nursery league
in 2003, the Novice league in 2005, the Intermediate league in 2007 and finally the Open league in 2009. Fyonnah
is the first member to achieve this. As a result of this achievement Fyonnah is the 2010 recipient of the Catriona
Arres Memorial training grant.
The Jean McAulay Cup was won by committee member Jane Aitken. Poor Jane is convalescing at home after a spell
of illness in hospital and we all wish her well.
After all the awards had been presented, last years recipient of Tuttie's training grant Rhona Young entertained
us with a slide show highlighting the club's and her own successes over the previous year. Seeing everyone looking
very tanned at the National championships made us realise what a long winter this has been!!
The return of the wintry weather caused some disruption to Saturday's lessons with David Gatherer but with some
juggling the lessons got under way by lunchtime! This year David concentrated on the importance of keeping the
horse straight at a fence after a turn and using the turn to keep impulsion. One of the exercises involved turning
down the centre line at A, jumping a double and then another 4 strides to the next fence before turning right or
left at C. There were no reports of anyone ending up in the gallery on the spectators laps!! David will be back
to teach on 18th April at Timpendean.
Ettrick Forest Riders Association Winter Show Jumping
Ettrick Forest Riders Association ran the last of the winter league show jumping competitions on Sunday13th
December at Dryden. Frosty conditions meant only the indoor school could be used, however warming up indoors in
groups meant we were able to go ahead. We had fewer entries than the previous competitions, but those aiming for
league titles were there ready for the challenge.
The nursery class was won by new member Carly Scott riding Zorro, a good win for Carly who had brought Zorro to
the training class in November, Andy's Law and Laura Sanderson were a close 2nd only half a style mark behind.
The novice was won by Mr Imp and Jennifer Stott, a 10th of a second in front of The Rookie and Jane Aitken. Jennifer
is on a winning streak, they took 1st place in the prelim dressage last Sunday. The pairs relay over the novice
course is always great fun and this year Taktiform/ Wendy Bell and The Raffian/ Karen Gillie triumphed, in 2nd
place were Willow/ Marita Gibson and Echo/ Angela Barrowclough.
Atlantic Connexion and Lindsay Smith won the intermediate, again a fraction faster than The Raffian and Karen Gillie.
The open class saw the fastest jump off time off the day, 2 seconds faster than anyone else Advanta Gold and Fyonnah
Thomas won the class and therefore the open league, with The Raffian and Karen in 2nd.
Thank you very much to all the helpers, special thanks to Jim Jeffery who does a super job of judging, also many
thanks to our club president Lady Sanderson who came along to judge our fancy dress but unfortunately only one
pair came with fancy dress and decided not to do it alone!! A good day was had by all and plenty of spectators
made for a good atmosphere. This was our final competition for 2009, which has been a very successful year for
the club.
WINTER LEAGUE DRESSAGE
The third and final round of Winter League dressage went ahead on 6th Dec , although warming up conditions were
not ideal in the outdoor school!
Judges were Christine Payne Prelim 13, Anne Millar Nov 27 and Fiona Busby both Nov 30 and Elem 50. This competition
decided the final league winners and these are as follows:
Prelim Sec A - Tracey Mackay on Ardfry Balthazar (14 pts)
Prelim Sec B - Andrea Pogson on Bogside Maverick (15pts)
Novice Restricted - Janey Lowthian on Josh (11pts)
Novice Open - Jane Aitken on The Rookie (12pts)
Elem Open - Jane Aitken on The Rookie (11pts)
All league winners will be presented with their awards at the Annual Getogether on Fri 26th February 2010 at the
Woll Golf Club, Ashkirk.
THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered to help. Without you competitions would not take place!
Sunday 29th November saw the 2nd of our winter show jumping league take place at Dryden. Entries were slightly
down from what they were in our October competition, probably down to the challenging weather of late, but the
hot competition on the day kept us warm!
Lyndsey Dun on her home bred Shoestanes Saphire won the nursery with a lovely double clear. Christine Gray and
Ettrick Diva took the novice with a very fast time, a good comeback after injury for Diva. Seek and Karen Gillie
had a super day showing they were both on top form winning the intermediate and open which will make for an exciting
end to the open league with Fyonnah Thomas/ Advanta Gold sharing the lead at the top of the points table with Seek
and Karen both on 11 points.
Our final competition of this series is on Sunday 13th December. This being our last competition before Christmas
we will have 2 additional classes, fancy dress and a pairs relay which are always great fun. This coming Sunday
6th December sees the last of our winter dressage dates. Lets hope the weather is kind!!
WINTER LEAGUE DRESSAGE 15TH NOVEMBER 2009
Withdrawals were the order of the day at the second round of the winter league dressage but those members able
to come still had a competitive day!
Lady Hope judged the Prelim 10 and spent a few moments chatting to each rider at the end of their test giving encouragement.
Winner of sec A was Tracey Mackay on Ardfry Balthazar while Sec B was won by Sarah Page riding Sarah Thomson's
Emily. Sarah and Emily then went on to win class 2 as well! (Novice 27 judged by Shona Morton). Leonie Cairns on
her own Whitlaw Bronte easily won class 3 (Novice 26) with a score of 71.85%. This was Leonie's first competition
after being on an extended maternity leave!! Thanks to everyone who helped. The final round of winter dressage
is on 6th December so get your entries in the post asap!
2009 AGM Report
Thirty members attended the recent AGM where Chairman Fiona Busby announced that EFRA will be receiving another
award - The BRC's Riding Club of the Year. This is a new award based on a Riding Club's overall performance at
the National RC Championships. EFRA will be the inaugural winners!
Treasurer Chris Hall reported that the club was financially healthy. Members Elma Maclaren, Helen Bett and Jennifer
Stott were elected on to the committee and some good suggestions were put forward for the 2010 Omnibus Schedule.
The John Payne Memorial Trophy was presented to Jane Aitken and The Rookie winning on 81 points while Rhona Young
and Glenside Red Admiral were runners - up with 58 points.
Also on the Agenda was a slide show put together by Rhona illustrating all aspects of the trip to Lincoln and including
a video of the winning 'Team of Four' and 'Pairs' performances.
Membership subscriptions (£25) are now due - please send to Janet McRitchie.
The next event in EFRA's calender will be Winter League Dressage on 15th November
Winter League Dressage 11th Oct @ Dryden
The first round of the dressage winter league took place today (Sunday) in autumnal sunshine and the high number
of entries kept the three judges very busy!
P7 Sec A was won by Sarah Mabon riding Hamish from 19 starters while Sec B was won by Laura Sanderson on Andy's
Law with a score of 74%.
In Class 2 (Nov 20) Kate Paskins riding Polly Fraser's Boo and Mark Gilbert on Royal Connection both scored 17
points clear of their nearest rival to share first place. Open Dressage team member Jane Aitken on The Rookie was
the winner of Class 3 (Nov 27) while the final class of the day Elem 42 was won by Kate Paskins this time riding
Wilbur.
A big 'thank you' to everyone who helped and to the competitors for making it an enjoyable day.
The next competition will be Winter League Show Jumping on Sunday 18th October @ Dryden.
Riding Club Championships Sept 2009
Club teams have had the most amazingly successful weekend at the British Riding Clubs
National Championships at Lincoln. The open Dressage team of Toux Camelot/Carolyn Gospel, Taktiform/Wendy Bell,
The Rookie /Jane Aitken and Chester/Rhona Young won not only the Open Dressage team but also the Team of 4 Dressage.
Carolyn was 1st in her Elementary 48, Jane 2nd in her Novice 25, and Wendy and Rhona 7th in Novice 30 and Novice
27. There were 22 teams from all over Britain so well done to them
Craggy/Janet McRitchie and Basil/Laura Sanderson went better than last year to win the Pairs Dressage competition
against pairs from 17 other Areas throughout Britain. They were foot perfect and looked a picture as can be seen
from the photos.
The Riding Test Team of Basil, Craggy, Shoestanes Sapphire/Lindsay Dun and Chocolate/ Claire Crichton also did
well coming 4th from this time 29 teams. Laura was 3rd and Lindsay 4th in their arenas. Laura was also 5th individual
in the Prelim 14, and Claire was 5th in the Style jumping.
The Novice Dressage team and Showjumping team which also included Katinka /Sarah Bett and Political Sox/Katie Jo
Walling were not quite in the money but did well to finish 16th. Single poles down were enough to miss the prizes
in a very hot competition. 1600 horses compete over the weekend and it is an huge affair.
The club has never had such success and many thanks must go to Fiona Busby who has trained them so consistently
and so well. The girls have their horses looking fit and well and have done a great job. We are proud of them all.
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It seems the B-B-Q summer we were promised has
come to an end, but don't despair, we have the Winter Dressage League
and Winter Show Jumping
League to look forward to. The dates
are, (just in case they are not in your diary already), DRESSAGE; Oct 11th , Nov 15th Dec 6th. SHOWJUMPING; Oct
18th, Nov 22nd Dec 13th. Could you ALL look in your diaries and set aside one day to help with WRITING, STEWARDING
or POLES. Remember the S/J Course needs to be put up and taken down, so if you are competing maybe you could give
your time to that task. The more offers we get, the less time we all have to do. Re the Dressage, contact Augusta
Greenlees and Re Showjumping contact Jane Aitken. We'd love to hear from you ASAP so then we won't have to spend
HOURS texting and phoning around and getting in a flap just before the event. Thanks in anticipation and excitement
!!
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Dressage Lecture
Demo 5th May
In spite of the rain there was a good turnout for the second of our dressage lecture demos with Les Smith. This
time the topic was 'How to develop lateral work'. Terms such as leg - yielding, shoulder - in, travers and half
- pass were demystified as Les explained the different movements and how to prepare the horse to ride the movement.
Under Les's guidance these movements were demonstrated by 'guinea pigs', Rhona Young riding Wendy Bell's warmblood,
Taktiform, Carolyn Gospel riding her own Hanoverian x Trakehner mare and club chairman Fiona Busby riding her own
Mr Beaujangles, a Welsh cob x TB.
Once again it was an excellent evening and hopefully everyone felt inspired to practice their lateral work even
when out hacking!
Thanks to our 'guinea pigs' Rhona, Carolyn and Fiona.
Thanks also to Cicely Thorne for use of her school and for the tent to keep everyone dry and delicious soup to
warm us up!
Dressage Lecture
Demo 22nd April
An audience of 26 enjoyed an excellent talk by Les Smith on 'How to improve your horses paces' at the first of
our dressage lecture demos.
The 'guinea pigs' were a 5yo youngster just starting out, a more advanced horse working at Novice level and a Warmblood
with extravagant paces.
With the young horse Les stressed the importance of the Rhythm (1st Scales of Training) and how it was crucial
at this stage not to spoil it.
With the more advanced horse Les used transitions within the paces to help while with the Warmblood he used lateral
work. In each case Les emphasized how the energy must come from behind.
It was a very informative evening and we look forward to the next demo on Tues 5th May.
Many thanks to our 'guinea pigs' Lindsay Dun, Jane Aitken and Wendy Bell. Thanks also to Cicely Thorne for the
use of her school.
Broomhill Dressage
Evenig Postponed
Many thanks for your interest
in the dressage events Broomhill Dressage Evenings 22nd & 23rd May 2009 - Unfortunately the evenings have been
postponed as a precaution due to a case of strangles , which is being contained located in the vicinity near by.
We feel that it is safer to err on the edge of caution and respectful to postpone the events in the circumstances.
Many apologies for any inconvenience caused and we hope to rearrange in the future I will let you know the new
dates etc Regards and Best Wishes! Anne
BHS Low Flying Aircraft Warning
The British Horse Society Scotland would like to alert horse riders that an RAF and NATO combined exercise that
is taking place from April the 28th to the 30th throughout Scotland and northern England will generate a lot of
low flying so it is extra prudent to wear your reflective/fluorescent gear at this time.
Exercise Wycombe Warrior 01-09 and the NATO Electronic Warfare Integration Programme will consist of up to 70 sorties
each day with low flying restricted to 1000 to 1800 hours. Exercise planners and participating aircrew will do
what they can to ensure this essential training activity is conducted in a manner that causes minimum disruption
to the public and horse riders for their part ought to make themselves as visible as possible from the air so that
low flying craft has the best chance of steering clear.
Sponsored Ride - Flyer
Spring Arena Event
Last Sunday saw EFRA hold it's first outdoor competition of the year. Spring like weather and a super location
at Riddell ensured an enjoyable day for everyone present. Catering provided by the team going to the Hartbury Championships
raised a sum of £100 towards team costs. The team would like to thank everyone for their support and generous
donations.
Many thanks to all the judges, stewards and helpers for making the day a success and thank you to Virginia and
Andrew Grant for providing us with a great venue.
Winter Dressage League
Prelim sec A - Sarah Johnstone on Little Zoro
Prelim sec B - Rhona Young on Mr Guille Rooney
Novice - Rhona Young on Glenside Red Admiral
Elem - Claire Crichton on Chocolate/ Francis Peto on Topper.
ANNUAL GETOGETHER
2009
A good turnout of members and friends enjoyed the Annual Getogether and Dinner at The Woll, Ashkirk last Friday
evening. Caroline Powell gave a very interesting talk about her 2008 Olympic experience in Hong Kong, along with
some great photos and many 'behind the scene' anecdotes.
Last years recipient of the Catriona Arres Memorial Training Grant, Jane Aitken gave an account of the successes
she and 'The Rookie' had achieved through this grant. Anne Millar then announced the 2009 recipient to be Rhona
Young.
Presentations of the Winter League S/J awards were as follows
Nursery (Whitfield Cup) to Rhona Young on Mr Guillie Rooney
Novice (Millar Cup) to Jane Aitken on The Rookie
Intermediate (Club Quaich) to Sarah Page on Paper Classic
Open to Rhona Young on Glenside Red Admiral
N.B The Winter League Dressage awards and the Jean McAulay Trophy will be presented on 1st March at Dryden after
the morning dressage competition has taken place.
DAVID GATHERER
- TRAINING CLINIC
A full 2 days teaching kept our birthday boy very busy. David has been coming down to teach EFRA members for 10
years now and being very popular left some unlucky members on a waiting list. Training started at 9:30 on Saturday
and ran on till 5pm. (half hour earlier for each group on the Sunday) with horses ranging from youngsters to eventers.
Poles, grids, balance, aids were all part of day ones training, the importance of a good canter rhythm became apparent.
Sunday was based on a course, related distances, dog legs and curves, making riders really sit up and concentrate
on where they were going next, using the aids that they had all concentrated on the day before over poles.
See training page for David's next visit in April at Holefield.
THANKS
An enormous 'Thank you', to all who came and helped with the dressage on November 9th. There were a huge number
of entrants which meant we were faced with running the event from 9.00am to 6.00pm. The weather was not always
kind but thanks to so many of you coming to share the load, no-one got hypothermia or soaked to the skin!! So,
well done everyone and we hope you enjoyed the day. Next weekend there will be the 2nd of the Winter League Show
Jumping. Look to your diaries and ring Jane Aitken if you can help with either the setting up or on the day. December
7th is the last of the Winter League Dressage. Stewards and writers will be needed. Ring Augusta Greenlees if you
can help. We look forward to hearing from you. Augusta
EFRA Winter league dressage and
showjumping leagues October 08
EFRA's indoor winter leagues got off to a great
start with a good entry and a lovely sunny day for the first dressage competition held at Dryden on 12th October.
The Prelim classes were both won by Dryden horses Little Zoro and Bogside Maverick ridden by Sarah Johnstone and
Andrea Pogson respectively. The novice class was won by new member Kate Paskins with Rondo Capriole. The Elementary
classes were won by Francis Peto riding Topper and club secretary Anne Millar with Master Roddy.
The weather was not so kind for the first winter league showjumping competition held this Sunday. However, the
stormy weather didn't seem to have put too many people off competing. The training class with a maximum height
of 60cm designed to help young or inexperienced horses (or riders) was particularly well supported. Rhona Young
enjoyed success with two different horses winning the nursery class with Mr Guillie Rooney and the Open class Glenside
Red Admiral. Committee member Christine Gray won the Novice class with her young horse Ettrick Diva and new member
Sarah Bett won the Intermediate class with Katinka.
Thanks as always to the judges, scorers and helpers for both competitions. This year there will a new trophy awarded,
in memory of Mrs Jean MacAulay, to the horse and rider who does best overall in both the winter dressage and show
jumping leagues.
Arena Event, Dressage and Show-Cross
@ Riddell, 31 Aug 08
At last the rain let up long enough to allow
EFRA to run the re-scheduled Arena Event at Riddell Estate, Lilliesleaf on Sunday, by kind permission of Andrew
and Virginia Grant. The venue was fantastic and this was commented on by many competitors. Dressage and show-cross
classes were held alongside the arena event so there was something for everyone.
As always in the arena event, time penalties decided many of the places. Rhona Young riding Mr Guillie Roonie won
the Nursery Arena event with an excellent dressage score and a fast cross country round. Janey Douglas won the
Novice Arena Event on Hidden Harbour with no jumping or time penalties to add to a good dressage score. The Open
Arena Event was won by Megan Runciman riding Whitton Mac with only one down in the cross country round.
It was great to see some of the new younger members competing and it was good to hear such positive feedback from
them - thank you! Many thanks to the judges, stewards, writers and scores and all who helped. The club is particularly
grateful to the Grants for allowing us to use such a great venue. For full results see Results page
Show Jumping @ Dryden 10 Aug 08
EFRA ran an indoor show jumping competition
at Dryden on Sunday to replace the scheduled arena event which fell victim to the recent torrential rain. Rhona
Young had an excellent day winning three classes on two different horses. Rhona won the Nursery class on Mr Guillie
Rooney with the only double clear of the class. Rhona then went onto win the Intermediate and Open classes with
Glenside Red Admiral, again with only double clear in the Intermediate. There were more clear rounds in the Novice
class and Steph Brand riding Rosie jumped a fast second round to secure first place. Thanks to Jim Jeffrey for
judging and all the helpers.
EFRA Summer Show Jumping and
Dressage Leagues @ St Boswells Mart, 16 Jul 08
The final competition of EFRA’s Summer Dressage and Show Jumping Leagues was held at St Boswells Mart on Wednesday
night and was very well supported. A high standard produced lots of clear rounds in the jumping classes but a twisty
jump off course sorted out the placings. Joyce Grigor won the nursery class with Copper but the overall nursery
League title and Sanderson Salver went to second placed Lauren Piercy and Attomic Kitten. Steph Brand won the Novice
jumping class with Rosie but again second placed Marita Gibson took the Novice League title and Burns Cup with
George. In fact the first three places in the Novice went to horses all from Marita’s stable. Winner of the Intermediate
class Fiona Hutcheson with Keira also took the Intermediate League title winning the Pat Jeffrey Memorial Trophy.
The Open class was won by Claire Marshall and Woody but the Open League title and Stair Brown Cup was won by Fyonnah
Thomas and her coloured mare Advanta Gold.
There was a large Prelim dressage class with Anna Galbraith and Anorant equal first with Denise Playfair and Hayden
in section one, although Denise was the overall League winner for this section. Gavin Millar and Ballykenly Rest
won Prelim section two, with third placed Jill King and Arnie taking the League title. Rhona Young had a good night
winning the Novice class and being placed second in Prelim section two with Mr Guille Rooney. Wendy Bell was placed
second in both the Novice and Elementary dressage classes but won the League titles for both these classes with
Taktiform. Many thanks to Borthwick Burn for providing prizes and vouchers for the winners of the Dressage Leagues.
A huge thank you to all the stewards, writers, scorers and judges who worked hard to let us finish the competition
while there was still some daylight left! See Results page
for full results.
Area 1 Dressage and Riding Test Qualifers 12-13 Jul 08. Report from Anne Millar
Teams travelled to Drumclog, Strathaven to represent
the club at the Area dressage qualifiers on Saturday and Sunday.
The Novice team of Jill King/Arnie, Angela Barrowclough/Willow Glen, Rhona Young/ Guillie and Carolyn Gospel were
brilliant and won also winning 3 Individual placings.
Unfortunately, Carolyn is over qualified and has had to return her win which means that the team has a lower placing.
We are all devastated as we were pleased to welcome Carolyn as a new member with a lovely young horse to the club.
Hopefully, Jill and Rhona will still keep their wins.
Rhona, Carolyn, Laura Sanderson/Basil and Jane Aitken/ The Rookie competed in the Riding Test and were a very close
second to Polnoon Castle the host club.
Sunday broke bright and breezy and our Pair of Laura and Janet McRitchie/ Craggy won the Pairs qualifier keeping
the club record of wins in this competition.
The open team of Jane, Laura, Janet and Wendy Bell/ Taktiform competed for the club and were a well placed 6th
from 16 teams. Laura and Wendy both had individual wins and Jane and Janet placings.
Wendy also competed in the Dressage to Music qualifier. This was of a Spanish theme and was greatly enjoyed to
finish 2nd from 8 starters.
Well done to them all and lets hope we have no more disappointments and reach the finals in September.
Annual Show @ Springwood Park 06 Jul 08
Competitors enjoyed a full schedule of classes
at Ettrick Forest’s Annual Show at Springwood Park on Sunday, including dressage, dressage with jumping, working
hunter and classes for Connemara ponies. Spirits were not dampened despite yet another rainy summer’s day.
West Lothian rider Joy McLean who has been a regular competitor at the annual show, had an excellent day, winning
Novice 28 with Fuehlings Sturm, and Novice 33 and Elementary 44 with Donners Crescendo.
EFRA member Wendy Bell also had an excellent day, winning the Novice Working Hunter with Taktiform, from Jane Aitken
and The Rookie a close second. Taktiform then went on to take the Working Hunter Championship. Wendy and Taktiform
also produced two high scoring dressage tests to be placed 2nd in both the Novice 28 and Elementary 44.
A high score in the dressage and a clear round secured Rhona Young and Mr Guille Rooney 1st place in the P18 with
Jumping. The N27 dressage with jumping and E44 with jumping were won by Joan Lauder with Lord Lander and Tessa
Harrison with Colemans Original respectively.
Many thanks to all the judges, writers, stewards,
scorers and all helpers who made today run so successfully depsite the weather, and to all those who helped set
up and clear away so efficiently. Club and show secretary Anne Millar passes on her grateful thanks and says that
the show certainly couldn't have run without you.
The final Summer Dressage and Show Jumping League competition takes place at St Boswells Mart on 16 July see events page for more details.
For full results see Results page.
Summer League Dressage and Showjumping at Timpendean 25 Jun 08
After a rescheduling due to the weather the
competition ran on Wednesday with good support,a beautiful evening with good competition.
Wendy Bell and Jane Aitken carved up the dressage winning and being second to each other in the novice and elementary.
Jill King and Gavin Millar each had a good result in the Preliminary and Novice.
Jim Jeffrey judged the showjumping and again good results were recorded. The course caused enough problems to make
riders concentrate. Results were well spread although East Lothian member Douglas Edward 2nd in the Intermediate
went one better to win the Open with two lovely clears. Committee member Marita Gibson riding George also had a
win in the Novice and a placing in the Intermediate.
Many thanks to all who came and especially to those who helped on the night. Remember the Leagues carry on on the
6th July and 16th July. Get your entries in.
See you all on the 6th and 4th for those who have offered to help set up.
Dressage and clear round show
jumping at Timpendean 10 Jun 08
Over 30 members entered the informal dresage and jumping evening held at Timpendean on Tuesday evening. Some high
marking was recorded and some young horses had the chance to have an outing! Many thanks to Claire Botterill who
judged the Preliminary class and Fiona Busby the Novice.
Clear round jumping was also held and Show jumping
team members took the chance to have a practice. Over £150 was raised, thank you all for the support especially
the helpers some of whom were not members!
The dressage arena and showjumps will stay in place for a few days if anyone wishes to have a practice please contact
Anne Millar.
Competition Crisis
This is a very simple but URGENT request. We
need help getting helpers !!
Each event has an organizer and they are in charge of getting ALL the helpers, that is, stewards, judges, writers,
timers, pole picker uppers, and scorers, as well as organizing the putting up (usually this takes place the afternoon
before), and the taking down of the event and finally ensuring that the trailers get taken back to their storage
places.
Putting a plea for helpers on the web site draws in a few responses. Then the organizer is faced with the daunting
task of telephoning, emailing or texting around. Often only a few positive answers come back and so finally the
inevitable happens, old friends are called on and the same core say yes AGAIN. We CANNOT go on like this.
Could we be RADICAL and ask YOU to look in your diaries and put in a few dates when you could help. Then be PRO-ACTIVE
and ring the organizer in advance, (all info in the schedule), to let them know when you would be available. It
does not matter if it is only once or twice or even for 1/2 a day, it just means the the load is spread THROUGHOUT
THE WHOLE CLUB.
This would be HUGELY helpful to the hard working members of the committee who take on these events and might even
put a smile on their faces. So please, get out those diaries and give us a call, we look forward to hearing from
you and seeing some new faces!
With thanks Augusta Greenlees.
We will continue to put requests for help on the web site, so, keep an eye on that too.
Catriona Arres Memorial Training Grant
Jane Aitken was this year's proud recipient
of the Catriona Arres Memorial Training Grant. The grant is awarded to the EFRA member who has shown the most progress
throughout the year, and is an appropriate memory to Tutti who did so much for training club members, particularly
those with young horses. Jane was presented with the award at the club's annual 'Getogether' by Les Smith. Les
ran a very successful Grasshopper's competition in 2006, with the help of Ian Stark and Muriel Colquhoun, to fund
the grant.
Jane's current equine partnership began at the end of 2005 when Jane bought The Rookie (AKA Roo) as a very green
five year old. The Rookie was locally bred by Fiona Walling and is by the late TB stallion Mutamarrid who stood
with Tony Hogarth at Mosshouses. Jane and The Rookie enjoyed early dressage success winning the Preliminary winter
league in 2006/07. Jane has had to work hard with Roo's jumping and it was great to see Jane's patience and dedication
really pay off in 2007 when they were part of the winning Style Jumping team at the Area qualifiers. They then
went onto to take a team 2nd at the British Riding Club Championships in Lincoln with a lovely clear round. In
particular, Jane says that she is very grateful for the training and support she has received from Anne Millar,
especially with the jumping.
Jane has also represented the club on the Novice Dressage and Riding Test teams in 2006 and the Open Dressage team
in 2007. Very recently, Jane and The Rookie were members of the winning EFRA dressage team competing in the winter
indoor dressage qualifier at Ingliston Equestrian Centre and taking an individual first in the team test.
Jane works as a shepherdess at Riddell Estate and says she is very fortunate to have such supportive employers
in Andrew and Virginia Grant. Jane will have to take time off from lambing to compete at the BRC Indoor Championships
at Hartpury in April.
Jane is an indispensable and very popular club member, attending many of the training sessions and club competitions
and of course is a keen team member. She is also a dedicated committee member, organising and helping at many competitions.
Jane's hopes for 2008 are to continue to represent the club in the team competitions, which she enjoys immensely,
and to compete The Rookie at his first B.E Event. They have already benefited from attending a 2 day jumping clinic
taught by David Gatherer and hopes to take advantage of the many other excellent training opportunities offered
by the club throughout the year including dressage with Fiona Busby and Jane Rutherford and jumping with Anne Millar.
PHEW... WHAT A DAY!! Augusta
Greenlees' report of the Riding Club Winter Dressage Qualifiers
EFRA sent a team to the Riding Club Winter Dressage Qualifiers at Ingliston Equestrian Centre on 3rd March. The
night before with gale force winds it was doubtful the team would be able to go but after a sleepless night checking
the wind on an hourly basis Jane Aitken took an executive decision at 6.a.m. that she could drive up. So, 7a.m.
saw the first part of the team leave with two horses and everything bar the kitchen sink stuffed into Jane's trailer
and car.
We arrived at Ingilston in good time which was just as well as it was an awe inspiring place. Flags and flowers,
restaurants, and bars never mind the huge lorries, impressive horses and vast collecting rings. So with Claire
(Crichton) and Chocolate going first she got to the collecting ring in good time and settled into working her in
and keeping her chilled, then the test.... all went well no spooks, no leaving the ring and Claire said with Annie's
voice ringing in her ears she felt she had done her best.
Then back to the collecting ring to see how Jane and Rookie were warming up. Rookie's eyes had been on organ stops
but Jane had kept him calm and his eyes were now back in his head and he was ready to go. Again the test seemed
to go well despite Rookie thinking there were 15 dragons in one corner. Jane held him together and we all felt
all had gone well.
By now we had made contact with the 2nd lorry
with Sandra Grieve and Wendy Bell with their two horses. They hoped to be up to see Jane and Claire do their Team
Test. This was outside in a rather wind swept part, but with clear skies Jane and Claire warmed up well. Unfortunately,
both were on at the same time which made taking pics and watching for the Chef D'equippe a bit of a challenge!
On top of that the skies darkened and broke with a biting rain and gusts of wind just as they were called into
the arenas, but keeping their nerves and calming their horses they both did their very best . Wendy arrived just
at the end and said, as she came up to the arena she hoped those two lovely horses were the EFRA team as they both
looked like good tests.
Back to the trailer to a vast amount of polos for the two brilliant horses, rugs, water, hay and lots of cuddles,
before we all gathered into Sandra's lorry to warm up and gather ourselves together for their tests. Wendy felt
Harvey needed plenty of time to walk around and get used to these whizzy surroundings before his warm up while
Sandra kept Viz relaxed and warm.
We all meet up at the outdoor collecting ring where once again the weather was turning nasty and things were just
running a little late. Wendy and Sandra must have been freezing by the time they were called in. Jane and I read
or rather yelled the test out, as markers fell about and Claire tried to take photos. Again good tests with both
horses remaining unflappable.
Sandra then took Viz back to the lorry to feed and rug up while Wendy and I went inside for her final test. Harvey
had plenty of time to admire the flowers and settle, before putting on a truly lovely test. Suddenly it was all
over. Back to the lorry to settle Harvey and only then did we realise how hungry we all were, so off to the restaurant
to food and a good bit of blether while we waited trying not to be nervous for the marks. Finally, some of them
went up and there was much rejoicing and hugging in the EFRA team. Jane came 4th in her warm up and 1st in her
team test and Claire came 2nd in her warm up and 1st in the team event, enough to reduce the helper to near tears.
Still no marks for the others so we decided that Jane's lot would hit the road for the long journey home and the
others would wait and phone us, which they did and cheered us up as we sat in a traffic jam with more good results.
Wendy had come 3rd in her warm up and 2nd in her team test, which means that the EFRA team will be heading down
south in April to the Championships. Watch this space.
It was a fantastic day not only because of the results but having never been part of a team it really opened my
eyes to what a fab experience it is and what fun it is. So go on look at the slip in the Schedule and put yourself
forward for the teams it really is a whole different ball game and loads of fun.
Dressage and Show Jumping @ Dryden
24 Feb 08
Ettrick Forest's first competition of 2008 was held at Dryden on Sunday with many competitors successful in both
the dressage in the morning and the show jumping in the afternoon.
Jane Aitken and The Rookie got their competition year off to a good start with a win in the Novice Dressage with
the highest percentage of the day. They then jumped 4 clear rounds in the afternoon to be placed 2nd equal in the
nursery and 4th in the Novice show jumping. Jane was the very proud recipient of this year's Catriona Arres Memorial
Training Grant which was presented by Les Smith at the club's annual Getogether in February. The training grant
is awarded annually to the club member who has shown the most progression throughout the year. Jane has put a huge
amount of hard work into The Rookie. Her patience and dedication certainly paid off in 2007 when she jumped a clear
round at the British Riding Club Championships at Lincoln as part of the Style Jumping team which were placed 2nd
overall.
Both sections of the Prelim 1 class were won by riders who were also placed 2nd with a different horse. Sarah Page
won Section A with Ballykenly Rest and was placed 2nd with Paper Classic. Sarah had a successful day going on to
win the Open show jumping and take 2nd place in the Intermediate class with Paper Classic. Rhona Young riding her
own horse Ludo, not long back in work after injury, won section B of Prelim 1 with a high scoring percentage and
was placed 2nd with Gillie.
Wendy Bell and Taktiform were also successful in both the dressage and show jumping, winning the Elementary 41
class and then the Intermediate show jumping with the only double clear of the class. They were also placed 2nd
in the Novice show jumping with another double clear and a good jump off time.
The nursery show jumping was a strong class with many double clears and was won by Tracey Mackay with her new horse
Ardfry Balthazar who jumped a very competent 2nd round to score a good style mark. Claire Crichton riding Augusta
Greenlees' Chocolate won the Novice Show Jumping with a double clear and a fast time in the second round. See results
page for full results.
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